DOD issues interim rule

<FONT SIZE=2>An interim acquisition rule went into effect March 1 requiring Defense Department contractors to submit bills electronically and DOD to process the bills electronically. The capability is required by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2001. </FONT>

An interim acquisition rule went into effect March 1 requiring Defense Department contractors to submit bills electronically and DOD to process the bills electronically. The capability is required by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2001.

Comments on the rule must be received by April 22 at http://emissary.acq.osd.mil/dar/dfars.nsf/pubcomm or via e-mail at dfars@acq.osd.mil. "DFARS Case 2002-D001" should be in the subject line of e-mailed comments.

The rule identifies three electronic forms for transmission of bills and identifies six situations where electronic payment is too burdensome.

DOD systems were capable of processing nearly all electronic payment requests as of March 1, according to the interim rule. For systems that are not ready, the rule allows the contracting officer to accept other processing methods.

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